AN intensive care nurse who suffers from one of the rarest forms of cancer raised more than £5,000 for charity with the help of 40 friends and family.

Karen Jenkins, who has worked at Wycombe Hospital for five years, took part in the 5km Race for Life on the Rye earlier this year.

The 29-year-old was recently diagnosed with pseudo-myxoma peritonei, a very rare form of cancer of the appendix which affects only one person in a million.

Karen said: "I'm used to running and it was nice because I also got the chance to take part with other friends and family. I was thrilled by how much we raised. Everyone worked really hard."

The former Holmer Green Upper School pupil who lives in Sands, High Wycombe, completed the race in an impressive 30 minutes, despite being in the middle of a course of chemotherapy treatment and having just had major surgery.

She ran the London Marathon in 2005. And she is hopeful that she will continue to raise money for the charity which is so close to her heart.

Karen said: "I definitely hope to run the race next year if I'm well enough."

Her proud mum, Kathie Jenkins, said: "She is absolutely inspirational to other people in the way she has faced this head on. I am very proud of her. She is one in a million.

"We plan to take part in Race for Life next year -- and the year after - and Karen is going to be there too."

Karen's partner, Dave Featherstone added: "Karen maintains a positive attitude and, as always, puts other people first.

"Whenever she is at Wycombe Hospital receiving treatment she enquires about others and maintains her ever-present smile."

More news is also on the cards for the determined nurse as the chemotherapy - which she started in April - also looks set to be working as Karen continues to make progress.

Rosannah Dawood, Cancer Research UK Race For Life organiser, said: "Karen's courage in taking part despite battling cancer has touched all of us in the Race of Life team. I hope her story will inspire all the women who took part to pay in their sponsorship money - to help more people survive cancer."